As Kashmir braces for a spell of rain and snowfall from Saturday night, the region is also set to enter ‘Chillai Kalan’, the 40-day period of the harshest winter cold, beginning Sunday.
The Meteorological Department has forecast rain in the plains and moderate to heavy snowfall in higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities in Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora have issued advisories, urging residents in higher-altitude areas to avoid travel during the expected snowfall.
The anticipated precipitation is expected to break a dry spell of more than two months, which has contributed to a rise in respiratory ailments across the region. Doctors said the prolonged lack of rain and snow had led to a build-up of suspended particulate matter, worsening air quality. Rain and snowfall are likely to help improve conditions.
The absence of snowfall so far this season has also affected winter tourism, particularly at the ski resort of Gulmarg, where tourist footfall during the Christmas and New Year period depends heavily on snow cover.
Traditionally, heavy snowfall during Chillai Kalan — which lasts from December 21 to January 30 — replenishes water reservoirs in the higher reaches, sustaining rivers, streams and lakes during the summer months. Officials say a poor snow season can lead to water stress later in the year.
At present, several rivers, streams, springs and lakes in the Valley are flowing at low levels due to the extended dry spell.
Minimum temperatures on Saturday dipped to minus 0.4 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, minus 1 degree in Pahalgam and minus 2 degrees in Gulmarg. Jammu recorded a low of 9.3 degrees Celsius, while Katra registered 10 degrees.
(IANS)
